-2- Reminiscences of an Exec ed stern

Looking back, I'd have to say that my Air Force career that he had discovered. Marano has never forgiven us for could be used as a good example of the old saying, "it isn't that! what you know, it's who you know that counts". Touvell also managed to widen the concrete on the road After basic training,for example, I was assigned to an in to our Site with concrete the British were using to in­ AF unit because one of my home-town buddies worked in Base crease the thickness of our runways. Col. Lewis, the Group Records. He pulled my card from a group headed for Infantry CO, found out about it after the concrete was wel 1-hardened-- and put it into what he figured was a better assignment - (Marang.did you tell him?) and I would hate to tell you some Geiger Field and the AF. And when I was assigned to my of the words that I found an officer and gentleman like Col. first Unit up there, the CO turned out to be an old Univer­ Lewis knew. sity classmate. (I didn't remember him, he didn't remember me, but he had seen it on the Classification card.) It was just at the last Reunion that I learned for sure who burned the hay-stack on VE Day. Young, you did not go He had the First Sergeant give me the full treatment of to London the day before it burned------it had to be the day KP, Guard Duty, Latrine orderly etc, to let me know what it after! was really like, and then he asked if I wanted to apply for OCS. And when did I next run Into the head of the OCS Board Who could forget Cap. Robinson, the MP officer? After that approved me? Good old Col. Goldman who was Group Exec his 4th or 5th visit to our site accusing some of our men of the 385th when I was assigned there after 6 months as a of doing things that we all know they could not possibly Base Officer in Ephrata! have done, Col. Van called me into his office and told me that if I couldn't get the 550th to join the Group, he'd For that matter, when I got to Ephrata, my old unit was damn well find someone who could. I don't think I ever got stationed there, and all of my old enlisted buddies were proper credit for protecting our fine, clean cut, upstand­ around to wise me up on ail the things that were wrong with ing group of young paragons of virtue from the vicious the place. And what did the Base Commander decide to do attacks that were being made on them! with a new 2nd Lt. that he didn't need? He asked me to dig around and write him a report on what could be done to im­ Remember when we had to pick up all the officers' 45s prove conditions at the Base------and I was always good at because we had a Lt. who liked to lie on his bed and shoot writing reports. holes in strategic spots of the pin-up girls pictures he had on the ceiling above his bed? The next day, what happens My brand new wife had been a school teacher, and who do but a Wing Inspection (they always came to our site because we meet but a fellow North Dakotan who was Supt. of Schools it was the best). This guy found 50 or 60 pistols lying there------so she ended up teaching school and making more loose in our Supply Room, just waiting for some German para­ money than I did. chutist to come in and grab them. Ammunition, too, come to think of it. How I survived that one I'll never know—they I didn't know how good we had it, so I asked my CO if probably couldn't find anyone willing to take the demotion. I was going to fight the whole rest of the War in Ephrata. A week later I found myself reporting to Col. Van who pro­ How about that 200 Mission party when one of our fine ceeded to tell me to get rid of my car (I didn't have one), yoang officers tried liquor for the first time, no doubt. to send my wife home (I didn't), and to get ready for a rug­ He staggered down the main aisle to where the dignitaries ged war in the South Pacific where he had just come from. were sitting watching some British actresses display their wares, threw his arms around General Jimmy Doolittle and When the Squadron Exec of the 550th got in some kind of pulled him over backwards. Col. Van must have warned Col. difficulty, my old guardian angel, Col. Goldman, probably Jumper, because all he said was, "Stern, only in the 550th wanted to prove that his Board had been right in sending me could it have happened". off to OCS. So------for ail you guys who have been wondering since 1943, that's how I happened to end up as 550th Exec. TS to all of you------someone had to be lucky! The longer ago it gets, the fonder the memories become. That's what makes those Reunions so interesting. And, In Come to think of it, I almost didn't make it overseas. spite of some 36 years since we disbanded, it makes a civ­ Remember, you ground-pounders, that Troop Train from Great ilian life seem rather prosaic, in spite of a fine family Falls to Kilmer? Fordyce (Group Photo) and I went looking business, 5 kids, 14 grandchildren, and a rich enjoyment for an ice cream cone in Billings (the rest of you found a of life as it is lived in North Dakota. bar close to the Depot). We came back to find the train pulling out 15 minutes early. After a wild taxi ride that And whenever the news-letter runs out of material, I'll took all our money (probably $15), we caught up to the train wri te again. waiting for a freight at a siding. We slunk on the front end to a few catcalls and made it to the back of the train where my old friend, Coi. Goldman, the Train Commander, sat complaining about why the train was sitting so long at the Texas Raiders By David Framer siding. I never thought that my triple by-pass open heart sur­

Two years, 2 months, and 4 days at Great Ashfield had gery would eventually lead to my riding in a B-17 after to be about the best duty a guy could pull during a War, approximately 37 years. Here is how it happened. although we Ground-pounders had to have an uncomfortable feeling as we sat there safe and comfortable while a great Before I was wheeled into the operating room last Feb­

group of flyers were out getting shot at and shot down with ruary, (1981), 1 was approached by representatives of Channel us getting the same 'battle stars' as they earned. 4, KM0X-TV, St. Louis, for permission to photograph my sur­ gery, part of it to be used by reporter Al Wlman for a med­

Every one of our 385th Reunions has brought back memor­ ical series. I signed the release, and while I was still in

ies------some fond, some sad, some hilarious. It's been heart­ the hospital the following week I watched the program and warming to visit with a number of couples who have reminded saw my own open heart surgery. After the program was over, me of what I said when they were asking for permission to I talked to Al Wiman on the phone and the next day he came marry------but I keep wondering about some of those whose to visit me. marriages didn't work out. What are they saying? Al belongs to a model airplane club and when he found that I had flown in B-I7s, he expressed a strong interest In And whatever happened to good old Sgt. Touvell, the guy World War II planes, and suggested that he come to my house who kept our Site winning those "8est Site awards" every when I was feeling stronger and tape some of my memorabilia inspection because he knew how to get the yellow stains out of the urinals? and do an interview about my flying in World War II.

About two months later the taping and interview were He also knew how to "midnite-requisition" some extra held and shown that night on TV. He also used scenes from coal from the 549th coal pile, while their Duty Sergeant was out stealinq it from a British stockpile of World War 1 coal "12 0'Clock High" to illustrate and dramatize the interview. ( continued page 3) -3-

dropping our crates from the army truck beds to the concrete Around the 14th of August, Al called me and asked if I docks. After getting the run-around from four dock workers, would like to see a B-17, and when I said he must be kidding, I used a little more persuasive argument to stop their he told me that the Confederate Air Force was flying in a dropping the crates. Needless to say, I was glad we were B-17 to a local airport. It would be followed by a B-24, a leaving the next day. Lt. Dentinger took one squadron of B-29, P-51, AT-6s, and other WWII planes for a weekend black troops on to the boat and after taking them down eight ground show. He said if I could be there when the B-17 or ten decks, getting them settled with full details and in­ arrived, he would like to do another interview for his TV structions, asked them if they had any questions. One man program. He suggested that I wear my old flight jacket. rolled his eyes around and asked,"Lt., is we above de water line or is we below de water line?" They were below the I was there bright and early on Tuesday morning. The water line as were a lot others. B-17 "Texas Raiders" had already arrived. The crew was go­ ing to take her up so the TV camera people could take pic­ The Queen Elizabeth was quite large but there were 22 tures in flight, and they asked if I would like to ride of us 2nd Lts. in one small state room. We had to stand along with them. You know what my answer was! sideways in the one aisle to take off our clothes or put them on. The food was good and the white bread we had here It was a thrilling flight, all low level, for about was the last we were to have for 2 1/4 years until we loaded half an hour. After we landed, I had another interview on the same boat to come back to the United States. We will with Al which was shown on TV the next day. Again Al used pick up at this point in a later issue if you want to read scenes from "12 O'clock High", and also pictures of my crew some of the later events of group transportation. (Capt. Jim Staber's crew) in front of "Round Trip Jack", taken the end of 1943 in England.

Another member of our 385th Bomb. Group, Mario Colan- Mail Call tino, from the St. Louis area, was also at the airport and went up on the same flight with us. He too was interviewed George Behl; by another TV station reporter. He said that the flight was a great thrill for him also. When I left the 385th in June 1949 for a 30 day stateside R s. R, I received a typed list of my missions. In comparing The three-day exhibit of the Confederate Air Force this list with the published history list I note that some was viewed by several hundred thousand people and caused dates and missions don't match. great traffic tie-ups on the highways leading to the I was the tail gunner in the number 2 position following airport. People expressed a tremendous interest in the the General Wilson "Flugendeforte". On March 6, 1944 I saw WWII airplanes and parents brought their youngsters to the aircraft disintergrate and explode after being hit by see the planes that made history. flak and have never forgotten the four chutes and bright flash of that tragedy. We also took flak that day just before Gen­ eral Wilson's plane was hit. The pilot that day was George Czewinski, Julien Blackhard, flight engineer, Swarthout was Base Transportation Charles Smith waist gunner, Glen Gieson was ball turret gunner and Smith was the radio operator. We have all assumed for most of our lives that we had Ed. note: George, if you will send me the names and all the transportation we needed or could use. This has been dates of the combat missions that don't match, I will try very apparent to us since the oil shortage a few years ago and find out the correct names and dates. when we first experienced gasoline lines and shortages that kept some of us from traveling for business or pleasure. Ed Huntzinger, 388th Bomb. Gp. Assn., Sec/Treasurer; This same problem existed early in 1941 right on through Your Oct. 15, l§8i newsletter received yesterday and World War II. Our present transportation problems are have read it all. mainly in transitioning over to smaller cars with gas savings I see that you will be holding your 1983 reunion at the or diesel engines. American auto manufacturers are just now Antlers Hotel in Colorado Springs. We held our Annual Reun­ meeting and solving this problem. ion at the Antlers in 1978 during August and you could not have picked a better place. When we were at the Antlers, The first assignment I was given when reporting for they went all out to make our stay one to be remembered and duty at the 549th Bomb Squadron was as Squadron Supply and I know they will do the same for you. Transportation Officer. I soon discovered that not only Our reunion goes from Thursday to Sunday but we always was it a problem to get routine squadron supplies but also have a Reunion Special on Wednesday for the early-birds. In necessary vehicles. This was my toughest problem for the Colorado Springs this was a trip to Central City followed by rest of the war. We were fortunate enough to get our 549th a party at Coor's in Golden. Squadron jeeps and trucks immediately at Geiger Field and On Friday we had a trip to the Air Force Academy with were surprised when Major Bunting of Group Medical said he lunch at the Officers Mess, tour of the Academy and to NORAD. could not get his jeeps. A signed requisition and a little On Friday evening we had a Chuck Wagon dinner at the Flying persistence soon corrected this problem. "W" Ranch. Ed's note; Thanks for the kind words. It's great to 549th Squadron Supply and Transportation went fairly hear about the Springs area. smooth at Geiger Field and Glasgow, Montana for the bulk of our stateside training. We were quite surprised when we Charlie DuShane; arrived at the East coast departure center and the supply Several years ago, mini reunions were discussed and a officers were told we had only 24 hours to re-supply our few were held. Since that time, interest has waned. How personnel with all woolen clothes. I immediately asked the question if the supply department would be open all night about generating some interest and lets get the mini re­ union program off and running again. Such reunions don't and was told it would not. This would have made it imposs­

ible to accomplish this feat and since the briefing officer have to be too large. Four or five fellows and their wives, pick a city or town in a central location. Spend a weekend seemed reluctant to call the base commander at home (8;3O PM)

I took the initiative to do so and he agreed to keep the away from home, have a good time. After the reunions get

supply division open for the next 24 hours. I also got the started in all parts of the country - you would have the

impression that when stupid orders like this were given in nucleus for obtaining the thinking of all members, i.e; the future, that some pre-planning would be done. As those future group reunions, workers etc. I have seen these re­ of you who went over on the Queen Elizabeth remember, we unions with other organizations mushroom into unbelieveable help to all. Crew reunions also. were at Camp Kilmer for two full weeks. Editor's note: This is a great suggestion. We need a few people to get the ball rolling. Since this is the be­ Lt. Dentinger and I happened to be appointed advance ginning of a new year, how about it? Who will be the first loading officers for the 385th Bomb Group on the Queen to hold a mini-reunion and who will be the second? Let me Elizabeth at the New York docks. The dock workers were know your plans.

Continued page 5 -4- Confessions of We were very happy, as we nad planned it, but the news was less than exciting to my Mother, who wasn't ecstatic at Don Hale’s First Wife (Dallas) the news her 19 year old daughter was to be a mother, and June 1943 to July 1947 the father-to-be was on his way to war, leaving her with a $10,000 life insurance policy (a fortune!). (385th BG, 548 BS, B-17G, "Maiden America", Waist (sometimes tail)gunner, Great Ashfield, Station 155, Suffolk, England) When Don's leave was up, in the face of much opposition, I returned to Florida with him, for however long we would Don and I met at an "after graduation" party (high have together, perhaps for the last time. school) in June 1943. He had graduated from Western Mili­ tary Academy, and was waiting to be drafted (no enlistments This time together turned out to be one week! Then Don accepted by then) while working in the family hardware store. and his crew were sent to Savannah, Georgia (a little bird told me), a staging area, where the crew would pick up their I had graduated from Wood River Community High School, new 8-17 and fly it to wherever they were going. and had applied for a Job at Western Cartridge Company, and was about to start in the Cap Department, on shift work. Still not to be denied, brave, pregnant, 19 years old, world traveler that I was, I took the fourth section of the When we met, we took an immediate dislike to each oth­ bus to Savannah, leaving Tampa at I2;3O A.M., which travers­ er (love-hate?), but that didn't last long. He and I were ed the back routes through Florida, and it was a local, dating others, but that, too, didn't last long. By the end stopping a hundred times, including when we hit the cow. of the first week, we were dating each other. We arrived in Savannah early In the morning. Now what? At the bus station, where I left my luggage, they directed me One month later, we were officially engaged! (due to to Travelers Aid. They in turn notified the Red Cross that either a proposal, or a proposition, on the front steps of I was seeking my husband at Hunter Field, and found me a the Baptist Church). No definite date for the wedding was sleeping room. After taking the room (by now it was noon),, set, as we did not know when Don would be drafted, or where I took a taxi back to the bus station for my luggage. When that would take him. I returned, guess who was sitting on the front porch? DON! The phone inside was ringing and it was the Red Cross tell­ That summer, he would meet me after work, sometimes at ing me that they could not fond my husband. midnight, and we would go to the local drive-in for some­ thing to eat, then park in front of my house and "talk" until He explained - they had paged him, telling where I was, the porch light went on (18 wasn't as old then as it is now), and he took off, not returning their page. At any rate, to then we would say goodnight. this day I am grateful to them.

Don finally got his "Greetings" (as I had earlier, with During the week that followed, the crew remained at a funny name like Dallas) and was to report to Camp Grant, Hunter Field, and Don had maybe three passes. Then, very Illinois for his physical in September. He passed, and was early one morning, a mysterious voice on the phone told me told that he didn't want to be in the infantry, but should they were taking off - for somewhere - soon. At 6;00 A.M. try for Air Cadet. He agreed, and was sent to Amarillo, I saw them fly over--and away. Texas for basic, and found they had an abundance of cadets, but had need of gunners, so after surviving basic (a snap Somehow, I can't really remember the trip, being heart­ for a military school graduate), he was sent to Kingman, broken and nauseous. I returned by bus to East Alton, Ill­ Arizona for gunnery training. inois, and waited, and waited. The mail was sporadic. I would hear nothing for a While he was having all this fun, I was back home, while, and then get 14 letters in one day. Don wrote living with my parents, and was by this time working in the twice a day, one Air Mail letter and I V-Mail letter, Analytical Lab in the Powder Mill section of Western Cart­ trusting that one or the other would get through. And ridge Company (now Olin). We analyzed the powder that they did, eventually. He kept $5 each month from his pay went into the ammunition that eventually went to war with for cigarettes, and sent the rest home. With this, and you guys of the Eighth Air Force. For recreation I did my $50 per month allotment, I started a savings account, what all of us who were left behind did, spent our time for when he came home. I lived some of the time with my with each other, and waited for letters. parents, and some of the time with Don's brother and his wife. Don's Dad bought us a bedroom set, our first furn­ In March of 1944 Don finished gunnery school, received iture. Somehow, I got through that bad winter of '44-'45. a two week delay in route to Plant Park, at Tampa, Florida, During this time my main project was to resist the attempts and came home. The first thing we decided was to get marr­ of relatives to name my baby! The most pressure was to name ied - and we did - on the first day of spring, March 21, him (that he would be a boy was never in doubt) for a 1944, in the Baptist Parsonage in Jerseyville, Illinois, wealthy uncle, which I resisted day and night-thinking that where my parents had been married 27 years before. no amount of money could pay my child for going through life with a name like that! I still believe It. To this day, I am certain that nothing Don faced during the war, or after, terrified him half as much as that cere­ In spite of my plan that the baby be born on our first mony. We feared he would pass out. But he didn't, and re­ anniversary, Donald P. Hale, Jr. was born at 7;3O A.M., covered from his fright in time to enjoy our three day March 24, 1945, no less welcome because he had blown my honeymoon in St. Louis. timetable. He was a delight then, as now. It was he and I together, no matter what else befell us, not knowing that When his two weeks were up he caught his train to Flor­ Don had flown hes 31st and last mission on March 22, to ida, and I went back to my Job at the defense plant for Rattingen, Germany. two weeks- when I took a leave of absence and followed him, never to return to my job. Son Donnie and I waited, and on May 24, Don arrived home, by way of the I'lie De France to New York, thence by That summer of 1944 in Tampa, with Don being by then train to Camp Kilmer, New Jersey, then to Fort Sheridan, at MacDill Field and coming by ferry across Tampa Bay, when Illinois by train via Canada, thence by train home to Alton, he could beg, borrow, or steal a pass, to our room with Illinois for a 30 day leave, and to see his son, and name­ kitchen privileges, plus a sleeping porch; was our time to sake, for the first time. learn to know each other, and Don's time to learn to forge the return time on his passes when he overslept. It was We then had a ten day R S R in Miami Beach(Bless the also my first time to cook full meals, and they were terr­ Army Air Force!), and Don was assigned to Maxwell Field, ible! Dessert I could do, except for pie, but entrees Montgomery, Alabama, while he accumulated the balance of were disasters. his 85 points (he had 83) for discharge.

Somehow, Don managed to survive my culinary efforts, I accompanied him to Montgomery, then went home to get and we had a wonderful time, oblivious of things to come. Don, Jr., and we returned to Alabama to stay until Don was Discharged, in September, 1945, and we returned home to In September of 1944, Don had a ten day leave, prior Alton, where he went back to work in his family hardware to going overseas. So we came home, and spent time with store, and we lived with his Dad, who was rattling around our relatives, and broke the news that I was "enceinte". alone in a ten room house. -5-

So we thought it was over--but not yet! aluminum carcass ot-ihe once-famous Her paud peeled. Vamurfs troJe Ur Memphis Belle. And, vacation or not, there windows and wrote obscenities on her was no way to pass up writing an “Oh- wings and sides. Thieves toted off virtually In October Don became quite ill, with what was diagnosed How-Have-The-Mighty-Fallea” article every part that wasn’t welded or riveted as pneumonia. After 53 penicillan shots, when he had not about yesterday’s heroine on her way to down. And birds took to nesting in her responded, the medics looked further, and decided he had being processed into tomorrow’s bouse sid­nooks and crannies. ing. tuberculosis. Which he did. In 1972, Memphis businessman Frank The piece, recounting the past glories Donofrio decided the historic relic de­ and current bard times of the plane set off served a better fate than serving as a de­ So there we were, he was ill, we did not know how ser­ patriotic rumblings in Memphis substantial pository for birds. Intitially, he couldn’t iously, unable to work, and we had Don, Jr. This may have enough to shake loose 5350 - the Air get anyone else interested, so be just de­ been our lowest point. Force’s asking price for the surplus Flying clared himself “the Memphis Belle Com­ Fortress. And a team of Memphians went mittee" and kept looking for friends. to Altus to make the derelict ready to fly Don had to be immediately isolated, and put to bed, Three years later, the Memphis Be »e “home.” Memorial Association, Inc., a non-pro/it while he awaited apace in the nearby tuberculosis sanitarium. MBMA members contend that the corporation came into existence. In January 1946 he was admitted to the sanitarium and was battle-battered, old survivor murt have At that point it was discovered that sentenced to six months flat on his back--no argument. A sensed what was at stake because when the paper work that sold the plane to the tough situation for a twenty year old - but he was wise she got up for her test flight she per­ city for 3350 had never been finalized. formed so well the crew just took a head­ enough, and courageous enough, to comply. Ownership reverted back to the U.S. Air ing for Memphis and arrived without inci­ Force, which placed the bomber under the dent. jurisdiction of the U.S, Air Force Museum, He survived the first six months (some didn't) and then For the next 22 years, the bomber sat which in turn transferred it to the MBMA a new doctor arrived that autumn, with a newer treatment, on a cement pedestal outside the Army However, three stipulations were part artificial pneumothorax, in which they artificially collapsed National Guard facility in Memphis. of the transfer The bomber must be kept As the decades passed, and the World the affected portion of the lung with - air! They injected in good repair it must be placed on dis­ War II fighting veterans developed arthri­ play to the public; and, due to its historical 500cc of air between the rib cage and lung twice a week, put­ tis and last their clutch on the public’s value, it must never fly again. ting that portion at rest and allowing it to heal. The first imagination, the Memphis Belle, seemed to It now sits at the Memphis Area good result was that his tests indicated that he was no mirror their plight. Vocational Training ScbooL longer contageous! Eventually, the lung healed. In July of 1947, one and one half years later, he was released, not cured, but arrested. He was allowed to work for a half a day only, until fully recovered. MEMPHIS B L So ends the "Confessions" of Don Hale's First Wife (he E LE calls me that to keep me on my toes, so he says), of the MEMORIAL ASSOCIATION, INC. period before, during, and immediately after the "War to end 1474 N. Graham-Memphis, Tennessee 38108 all wars", up to the time of the resumption, or really the Post Office Box 1942-Memphis, Tennessee 38101 beginning of our normal lives. We finally had our own home, 901-323-5988 and got to live together at last! APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

For anyone interested, the sequel to these "Confessions" Name...... will be forthcoming, upon request, entitled "The Rest of our Address______Lives, So Far", and would cover the years from 1974 to 1981,

the arrival of second son, Rand, and other exciting events. City______State------,------Zip------To sum up, I freely "Confess" that I felt then, as Contributor...... $ 1 Patron...... $10 now, that ours was, and is, "THE LOVE AFFAIR OF THE Student...... 3 Sponsor...... 25 CENTURY". Regular...... 5 Golden Sponsor...... 50 (To be continued) Life Membership $100 ..SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 19»1 She Atlanta Aournal OP COVSTITITIO* , 25-A Your contribution can help enshrine World War Il's most famous aircraft, the USAF B-17F "Memphis Belle." The Association is non-profit, and all contributions are tax-exempt. Atlantan tries to save Thank you. The above article was submitted by Charles Edelstein.If you can help please send your historic B-17 bomber contributions to: Memphis Belle Memorial Association,Inc.1474 N. Graham-Memphis,Tenn. Yesterday’s heroine almost processed 38108,Post Office Box,1942.Memphis.Ten.38101. into tomorrow’s aluminum siding Mail Call cept in museums. Toe museum is not peing By Joe Brown built as a memorial to war, it’s being built Jim Young, 714 Broadway, McKees Rock, PA, 15138 Constitution Stuff Writer to preserve history,” be said. Just a note to let you know I now have 5^9th, 551st During its bomb runs — between Nov. and Group HQ patches. I still need the 548th and 550th MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The Memphis 7, 1942 and May 17, 1943 — the aircraft, insignia. I will still trade a group history reprint for manufactured by Boeing and based in Eng­ Belle alts dilapidated, but cherished, in a a Squadron patch. Would very much like to find a copy of remote section of the airport at the Ten­ land, was torn repeatedly by enemy anti­ the 93rd Combat Wing History and the 493rd Bomb Group His­ nessee dty whose name It bears. aircraft. and fighter fire. At different “I love that airplane and so do thou­ times, over the seven months it took to tory. If anyonYhas any information about these histories sands of ether people,” declared Richard complete its tour, virtually every part of please let me know. Valley, a telephone company employee In the plane, except the fuselage, was shot away and replaced. Atlanta, who spends bis spare time these Homer L. "Moe" Jones days boosting the Memphis Belle Memorial At the end of that period, the aircraft Demetrio A. Apodaca or Duke as we called him in the Association. and its crew were declared heroes, and “It is the only existing B-17 bomber after a sendoff by the king and queen of photo lab, passed away on Sept.10, 1981. Duke was a very that saw combat in World War II. And it England, were brought back to the United versatile photographer. He was interested in Public Re­ was the first B-17 ever to complete 25 States for a celebrity tour to push the sale lations Photography with Earl Mazo and Goldie. He then of war bonds. bombing missions over Nazi targets in Eu­ became interested in Aerial Photography and was excellent. rope with its crew' Intact At that time, the But following three months as the na­ His antics with John "Tex" Mason added amusement to the casualty rate for combat air crewmen was tion’s darling, the Memphis Belle was actually higher percentage-wise than front­ edged out of the spotlight. The B-29 Super­ laboratory. line infantry soldiers,” Valley said. fortress was replacing the B-17 Flying He later was a Captain and instructor in the Field Valley and other association members Fortress as the nation's major bomber. Artillary. He was in politics and served as Mayor of Nor­ So the Memphis Belle vanished from are trying to raise 32.5 million Jo restore walk, California. Duke was also very successful in the the aircraft to mint condition and.bniM a public view. insurance and real estate business. raanm la Memphis to permanently boose However, in 1945 a reporter for a IL Memphis newspaper, who was on vacation, I visited him in Norwalk in March, 1981. He was suff­ “This plane is a piece of aviation toured the military “bone yard” for old ering from leukemian and was unable to drive a car but he history,” he said. “Twenty years from now aircraft in Altus, Okla., and stumbled looked like a million dollars. across the faded, camouflage-painted there won’t be any of these airplanes ex­ Editor's note; We wi11 all miss Duke very much.

Continued page 11 -6-

THE PITTSBURGH PRESS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1943

Looking Back Paul Schulz

The accompanying article and photographs were submitted by Marty Girson. Thirty nine years ago I would have never believed that I would be writing an article such as this. The days at Great Ashfield were the days of our youth. We fought hard and enjoyed life as best we could. Today we look back, reminisce, tell a few stories and in general for­ get all the bad times and only relive the good times. The first of November I received my copy of the "Afterburner", a USAF News publication for retired person­

nel. Buried in the middle of the THE CONTROLS. Here bulletin was an article entitled a formation of For­ "More VA News". In perusing the art­ Somewhere in England there is a Flying Fortress tresses from the icle, the following facts came to base that is known as the ‘Kindergarten Station.’ “Kindergarten Station” light. Quote "The average age of That’s because the base is manned by young men, roar over the English countryside on the way

U.S. military veterans continues to not one of the officers being beyond the age of 30. to bomb Europe. rise as the total number of veterans The commanding officer is a young man of 26 and increases. The largest block of vet­ the “baby” is a lad of 20. But in the air, they are erans, the 12.4 million World War II veterans; have been on many bombing missions vets, are about 60 years of age, over Europe. while the 521.000 remaining WWI group average about 85 years."unquote This caused me to sit, think and pon­ der. How many of our fellow 385 BGMA members fall in the category of 70 plus years? Quite a few. As the accompanying article implies, we were ail young, most in our twenties, some in their teens. Many of our comrades were in their late thirties and one of our gunners. Pappy Cole, was 49. What has this to do with today? Simple, most of us are senior citizens, some are very senior citizen: The 1983 reunion in Colorado

Springs may be the last time that we BOSS OF THE BASE. shall see an old friend and comrade. BABY. Above, this is Recently some of the big I urge each and every member to make Capt. Ivan Klohe of San Allied chiefs visited the Francisco whose 20 years bomber base. Here you plans now to attend. JUST WHEN YOU THINK YOU ARE FINALLY The 1972 reunion stands out in make him the youngest of­ seed the 26-year-old com­ ficer at the base. He pilots a manding officer, Lt. Col. GOING TO MAKE ENDS MEET, SOMEBODY MOVES my mind, not because I attended but Fortress and is a squadron Elliott Vandevanter (center) THE ENDS. because I did not attend. I had been leader. with General Lee (left) and ill for several weeks but had been General Ira Eaker (back to pronounced fit by the flight surgeon camera). and returned to duty. Prior to my illness I had made my reservations tc More ’81 Reunion News attend the reunion. So off I went to the airport. However, just before The editor must apologize for not printing the following photographs sooner. The boarding the plane, I suffered a re­ pictures did not arrive in time for the July Issue and the October issue was too lengthy. currence of my Illness and was rushed Better late than never is how the old saying goes.

to the hospital. During the course of my military career, I had seen General Vandevanter many times. This would have been the last time, but a quirk of fate said no. See you in the Spring, WHEN IT IS SPRINGTIME IN THE ROCKIES.

Prez Sez The response to the last news­ letter and our computer billings has been just short of incredible! Sev­ eral new life members have been added to our rolls and so many of our mem­ bers have paid their dues that our treasurer, John Pettenger, has sudd­ enly become un-retired. John’s local postman, and mine, are beginning to complain, in a good-natured manner, that they should receive a bonus for all the additional mail that we are Four of a Kind receiving. The Board wishes to thank all The original squadron commanders,left to right: the members who participated. John Bill Tesla,550th B.S.C0;Danny Riva,551st B.S.CO; Arkey Huber in a pensive mood says "Keep all those letters with Sept.Richard,548th B.S.CO; Archie Benner,549th B.S.CO. CHECKS coming in." -7- Ft. Walton Beach, Florida May 9, 1981

Dallas and Don Hale - center Mary and Ruel Wiekert - back to camera

Florian Toman, Shirley and Dick Miller Bob Payne, John Ford, Or. Harold Bushey, Florence Poore, Paul Schulz - back to camera Earl Cole, Sept Richard

John Ford - background, Charles Smith, Glen and Erma Weisgarber - right Mr. Lucky, Joe Jones -8-

Richard’s Rebels

548th BONB SQUADRON

FT,WALTON BEACH, FLORIDA, MAY 9,1981

Benner’s Bandits

549th BOMB. SQUADRON

FT. WALTON BEACH,FLORDIA, MAY 9,1981 -9-

Tesla’s Terrors

550th BOMB. SQUADRON

FT.WALTON BEACH, FLORIDA, MAY 9, 198*

Riva’s Raiders

551st BOMB. SQUADRON

FT. WALTON BEACH, FLORIDA, MAY, 9,1981 -to-

One of the highlights of the tour of the Armament Museum, Eglin Air Force Base was this B-17. Members and their wives are photographed in the front of this bit of nostalgia.

The Memorial Plaque dedicated on Memorial Day, 1944, with Gen. Lemay present. The Plaque was transplanted to the churchyard in Great Ashfield for a permanent memorial to those of the Group who gave up their lives. The stone for the monument was quarried in Cornwall and brought to Great Ashfield. All Saints Church, Great Ashfield John c Ford When Americans drive through the lush and gently rolling are two books containing the names of comrades who paid the countryside of East Anglia, it seems to be a sudden surprise supreme sacrifice for Freedom's hard earned rights. In 1945, to top a rise and see before them a picturesque village with when the Group was departing England, a select committee of a town green or center, sometimes thatched roof cottages and unit personnel decided that H. Monroe Cauley, FSA, and one usually many council houses. Many times they stop, have tea of England's foremost authorities on church architecture, and biscuits in a small tea house, and then wander around the would be the one to design the Altar. The selection proved area trying to find out something of its past history. But to have been most wise, for his creative genious has given quite often, when driving off the beaten path and along the the Memorial timeless beauty. Consisting of altar and back-country winding lanes, a village is passed without so reredos, with side panels, it is richly hand carved and much as a second glance. And yet, if they would just take traceried in oak and is located on the north side of the that second glance, they would discover items of interest, Church. In the church yard outside of the North wall of when linked into the chain of English history, portrays the the chancel, it is possible to closely examine one window area as very unique and well worth further exploration. that may date from Saxon times. Such a spot is the ancient village of Great Ashfield, Suffolk, England. This tiny village occupies a very special The membership at the 1975 reunion in Atlanta voted to place in the hearts of former members of the 385th Bombard­ send $500.00 a year to support the All Saints Church and ment Group (H), 8th AAF, who carried out their mission from the 385th BGMA memorial altar. Life membership dues are this area during World War II. In the 13th century All invested and the income is used for this purpose. Saints Church is housed a Memorial Altar and on that Altar -II- 385th BGMS PX Mail Call From time to time the association has received inquiries concerning the availability of specialty items such as the Lawrence E. Oliver; Group History, back copies of the newsletter, programs from Receipt of the enclosed notice was like a voice out of past reunions, belt buckles and other items. Since the 385th the past. The last communication I had with the 385th was at BGMA has several of these items in stock we have decided to briefing on the morning of March 23, 1944. offer them to our members. Those items not in our inventory Our plane, with eight of the ten members, was among the will be supplied by the vendors ,at no inventory cost to us. many casualties caused by that colossal screw-up on what The 385th BGMA will realize a profit on all items sold. The had otherwise becoma a "milk run". The target was Brunswick following are offered for sale, prices include postage and or Munster, I can't remember any more. hand ling. We got ours over Holland on the way back and only two of us got out. The waist gunner got away with the underground. The Letter, author Frederick H. Ihlenburg. Hard cover. My freedom lasted five minutes and I spent the duration at Novel. A story of a B-17 crew based at Great Ashfield, how beautiful Barth on the Baltic - 50 miles from Sweden - in they lived and fought. Fred Ihlenburg is a 548th pilot who Stalag Luft I. wrote the book ten years ago while recuperating from open So much for war stories. Do me a favor and spell my name heart surgery. $5.95 right, wi11 you? Editor's note; Lawrence, your name has been corrected. 385th Bomb. Group History - a reprint of the Group I don't understand about the newsletter as you have been sent History, an exact duplicate, hard cover. $22.25 the last two issues. Please check on your end.

Sixth Reunion, paper cover. A detailed history of the Bill Tesla; Thanks for the newspaper. Plan to use some of All Saints Church in Great Ashfield and a short history of the information in the future. the 385th Bombardment Group (H). Contains several unpublished pictures. All monies collected are used to support our Mem­ Marty Girson: Thanks for the information. I shall pursue orial Altar in the All Saints Church. $2.50 the matter further and hope to io an article later on.

Seventh Reunion, paper cover. A complete reprint of Chariie Edelstein; Thanks for the article. all newsletters beginning August 1975 through February 1979- (Editor) $4.75

Pennsylvania Dutch Gourmet Cookbook - Paper cover. ’83 Reunion News R. E. Douglas Aufhor Laverne and Shirley Rohrbaugh. Laverne was a 385th

Thanks for presenting my offer to the group the way that member and a member of Rosener's crew. They were shot down

I gave it to you. I also had made contact with the Antlers on August 15, 1944 and ended up at Barth, Stalag Luft I. Hotel in the Springs as a prospective reunion site. This cookbook contains 333 recipes of the Pennsylvania Dutch When you live in a town for so long you just take every­ (German) origin. I can remember both my grandmother/and thing for granted. You do not notice the short comings of mother preparing many of the recipes when I was young. If your town until it is thrust upon you. I will gladly abide you like German cooking, this cookbook is for you. $5.00 by the decisions of the Board of Directors and will work even harder, with the cooperation of Bill Fife, to make this, the Belt Buckles, B-17 and 8th Air Force Insignia with 40th Anniversary of the 385th, the best ever. 385th Bomb Group (H) identification. Hand crafted, hand My whole intent is to make this reunion a super reunion for all the guys who live in Colorado and for the entire 385th cast, hand polished, solid golden bronze. $21.00 8GMA. I have written to every 385th member who lives in Colo­ rado to ask for their help. Several have contacted me and have offered to help. There is much to do and their help will be appreciated. In my judgement, the Board of Directors made a wise decision in their choice of the Antlers. It was mine, too. Since we have established the ground rules, let's get to work, every member of the 385th BGMA contact every mem­ ber you know and do everything in your power to get them to the next reunion in Colorado Springs. Plan to spend some time in our State and see how we in the west live. The vacation sites are endless. If desired, I can arrange for special tours after the reunion. If enough interest is Squadron "Tee Shirts" will be available soon. Write shown. One last and most important item- -bring money. for prices. Address all orders to; 385th BGMA PX 2049 Phoebe Or. More about the Jones’s Bi 1 lings, MT 59105 The editor was wrong, there are Make all checks payable to 385th BGMA - PX. Allow six Joneses, not five, in the organ­ four to six weeks for delivery. ization. I have received two quotes. "After all, it's hard to be a JONES when you have to have everyone keep­ ing up with you." The other quote is Newsletter Publication Deadline contained in the box at left. The 385th BGMA Newsletter is published quarterly on Jan. 15, April 15, July 15 and Oct. 15. Your Editors wish to 385th BGMA NOT 8AFHS thank all of you have submitted articles. They will be pub- Our secretary, treasurer and Ii shed. president have received quite a bit Like Topsy, our newsletter has been growing! The Edi­ of mail recently with photo copies tors have found themselves in a position similar to large, of checks made out to the 8th AFHS, monthly publications. To assure delivery of the bulletin to in the mistaken belief that we are all our members by the 15th of the publication month, we affiliated with the 8th Air Force must submit the proofs to the printer 45 days in advance, Historical Society. WE ARE NOT. (i.e. Dec. I, 1981 for Jan. 15, 1982 delivery date.) We be­ Dues or money contributed to the gin assimilating our copy 30 days prior to this time (Nov 1) 8AFHS are not creditable to the and are now working with a 10 week lead time. 385th BGMA. We are a separate en­ If any of our members wish to have an article published tity. The only time that we receive any money from the in a specific issue, please submit it at least 10 weeks in 8AFHS is at their annual reunion. At this time we receive advance of the publication date.(Nov I, 1981 for Jan. 15, a partial refund of registration fees paid by 385BGMA mem- 1982 publication) Remember, we need new material to continue bers. Repeat, to be a member of the 385th BGMA, you must to make this an interesting and informative newsletter. pay your dues to John Pettenger, Treasurer, 385th BGMA, P.O. Box 117, Laurel, FL 33545. -12-

8th Air Force Reunion oven, and coffee were delicious. Her stories (in French, but translated by Marcel) were thrilling. During World War I, The seventh annua) reunion of the 8 Air Force Histor­ German ammunition was stocked in the woods behind Mama's ical Society was held in St. Paul , Minnesota, Oct 15-18, 1981 house. It was a depot for weapons during World War II. At Seventeen 385 BGMA members and wives attended the affair. the present time the location is part of a NATO base in Bel­ John Ford, John Pettenger and your editor arrived one day gium. early to attend a Symposiurn moderated by Roger Freeman, the During World War II an American plane was shot down subject: USAAF VS G.A.F. 1942-1945. Representing the Ger­ near Marcel's town. The pilot parachuted, landed with a man Air Force was General Adolph Gal land. Maj. Gen. Philip broken leg, and was immediately surrounded by pro-American Ardery, Maj. Gen. John Huston, Colonel Cass Hough and Colon­ townsmen--among them Marcel, then 13 years of age, Marcel's el Richard Petersen represented the USAAF. The Symposium Mother and his Father, a farmer. Marcel remembers that his is one that I shall always remember, not so much because of first reaction was to kiss the wounded American pilot. Ger­ the subject matter but because I found a man whom I had not man police who occupied Mesnil Saint Blaise at that time, seen since August 1945. The last time that I saw him was in soon came to the injured pilot, pushed the pro-Americans the hospital where he had spent 2| years recovering from away, and took him to the German police house. some very serious wounds. This person was the best man at (Now, in Marcel's own words.) Elaine’s and my wedding which had occured 39 years and 6 "We lived Just before the German police building. We days prior. What a wonderful time the three of us had. In did not like the Germans. German soldiers were angry be­ addition to finding our best man, I also had the opportunity cause we like Americans. It was dangerous to be near or to meet and talk to John “Red" Morgan, Medal of Honor win­ try to help an American. We worked as we could with our ner. Red was the formation observer and tail gunner of Gen­ sympathies. The Underground tried to help the Americans eral Wilson’s plane the day that Lou Dentoni was killed over against the hated Germans. It was the month of November. Berlin. Another old and dear friend whom we had lost track "Mama would not let me go to the German police build­ of was found, William R. Lawley, Medal of Honor winner. Bill ing to see the American. Besides, I was afraid to go. We and I had been together for many years at various Air Force did not know how long the Germans would retain the pilot, ins tailations. but some of the women in our town took marmalade, choco­ Several new members were located: John Anderson, H.L. lates, wine, eggs, smokes, books, flowers or anything Brady, Kenneth Fernlund and George Stasny. A list of those precious to the police house for the American. attending, including those named above, is as follows: "Mama emptied her flower garden. A German police Harlan Aronsen, Marvin Benesh, Glen Berg, Donald Black, Ross asked her for explanation when she presented the bouquet. Blake, C. R. Cragoe, Jack Cole, Ralph Engquist, John Ford, He was angry at Mama and threw her flowers to the ground. Edward Grabowski, Warren Ledy, John Pettenger and Paul Schulz. Mama also was angry. The police said, 'I take you with me and lock you up,' which he did. My Grandmama also was very angry. She presented herself also at the police Mama and the American Pe9gySmith building, and she sat between Mama and the German police so they could not harm her. They put a gun to Mama's chest, On a recent trip to Belgium we were guests for a few days but they did not shoot her. Later, they moved the Amer­ in the home of Marcel and Lily Fissette in Bruxelles, near ican pilot and let Mama come home. I do not know what the site of the Battle of Waterloo. Not only did we enjoy happened to the pilot." European hospitality, we found international friendship and As Charles and I left this lovely lady, Madame Fiss­ special appreciation of American liberation of Belgium during ette looked at Charles Smith. With tears in her eyes, she the two world wars. hugged this man of the United States Air Force during Marcel and Lily wanted us to meet their Mothers in World War II, and asked him to please tall the people in south Belgium; so we had a great time sightseeing and meet­ America, "Merci beaucoup pour nous avoir libers deus fois." ing relatives. We saw fields of sugar beets, tobacco and (Thank you for liberating me two times.") A rock from maize, city halls, churches, rivers, chalets, convents, mon­ Madame Fissette's garden, by our fireplace now, memorial­ uments, castles, mueums, flea markets, flowers, big cookies izes this unique experience. (in Dinant), and winding roads as beautiful as anywhere else Marcel says the "two most happiest days of my life in the world. The Ardennes Mountains were particularly are my wedding day and the day the Americans came to free IoveIy. my town. My Father had saved one bottle of his best wine Lily's Father was killed two days before the Americans for the day the Americans would free his city. Then-- liberated his village. Her Mother ("Mammie") now lives in THEY came. My Papa split the bottle with an American Arm­ Bearusing, Belgium. Mammie's smile and her hospitality were ored Corps man, a stranger who came through town in a wonderful. tank. Papa got drunk. I do not know the fate of the Marcel's Mother (Mama) who lives in Mesnil Saint Blaise, American. equally charmed us. Her huge plum pie, straight from the

Non-Profit Org. ™BGMA U.S. POSTAGE SEE YOU REGISTERED ADDRESS PAID 385 RAUL R. SCHULZ, Editor Billings, Montana IN THE 2049 Phoebe Or, ’82 DUES Billings, MT 59T01 Permit No. 371 SPRINGS IN ’83 ARE DUE!

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